Legislative Updates

Legislation advances Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendation This week, Senator Nick Collins celebrated the Senate’s passage of S.1646, An Act relative to violation of regulation regarding hot work processes, legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of hazardous “hot work” activities such as welding and other spark-producing construction work that can pose serious risks to firefighters, construction workers, and … Read more

Bill strengthens protections for pets and promotes responsible pet ownership statewide  State Senator Nick Collins last week voted in favor of S.3014, An Act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety, while serving as a member of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Too often, pet shops obtain animals from substandard breeding facilities commonly … Read more

Funding would also be set aside for a satellite campus at former Carney Hospital Site Senator Nick Collins, a member of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, this week voted to advance Senate consideration of the BRIGHT Act, a major higher education infrastructure bill, while filing an amendment aimed at building a new facility … Read more

The Massachusetts Senate recently advanced a trio of bills focused on protecting consumers and expanding opportunity across the Commonwealth, headlined by major legislation strengthening fair housing protections. Together, the measures address discrimination in the housing market, bolster safeguards for car buyers, and modernize standards for the certified public accountant workforce. “We are hitting the ground … Read more

Measures address housing discrimination, auto buyer protections, and CPA workforce pathways Last week, Senator Nick Collins chaired a hearing of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and voted to advance a trio of bills focused on consumer protection and professional licensure, moving the measures favorably out of committee and onto the Senate floor for … Read more

Legislation Ensures Early Dyslexia Screening So No Child Falls Behind Last week, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that supports young learners by ensuring reading instruction is rooted in proven, evidence-based practices. The bill creates new statewide standards for literacy education and assessment, offers professional development resources for educators, and offers flexible options and supplemental funding … Read more

Testimony Being Taken By Senate Committee on Ways and Means Two Senate proposals aimed at delivering property tax relief to homeowners are currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means after advancing in the Senate last week. S.1933, An Act to Prevent Property Tax Bill Shocks, filed by Senator Will Brownsberger, would … Read more

A Season of Progress in the First Suffolk District With the holidays approaching, we want to share what we have accomplished and the work that lies ahead for the First Suffolk District. We have attended more than 180 community and civic meetings across the district. At the State House, we participated in 30 Senate sessions … Read more

As the FY26 State Budget debate moves to its next phase, State Senator Nick Collins announced several major wins for public safety in the First Suffolk District, just as warmer weather draws larger crowds to trains, parks, and beaches across Boston. With a focus on keeping residents and visitors safe in transit hubs and public … Read more